A Journey Back in Time: My Visit to the D-Day Commemorations

Have you ever felt the weight of history pressing down around you, the echoes of the past reverberating through every step you take? That's precisely how I felt as I stood on the hallowed grounds where the fate of nations was sealed - my recent visit to the D-Day commemorations was nothing short of awe-inspiring. There's too much to share for one Blog so I'll share more in the coming weeks. I was invited by Canadian Government and the mayor of Beny-sur-Mer and set off feeling very humbled.

The Journey Begins

The crisp morning air was charged with a sense of solemnity as I approached the Canadian cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer. I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for those who came before us.

Walking Through History

As I walked along the endless rows of stone graves of the fallen it painted a vivid picture of the harrowing events that unfolded eighty years ago. It was a stark reminder of the cost of war and the resilience of the human spirit. The warm applause for the arrival of the Canadian veterans was heartfelt. Canadian Major General Rohmer's medals glinted in the sun which respectfully timed its arrival with the veterans.

A Tribute to Courage

This was a solemn ceremony where veterans, dignitaries, and ordinary visitors stood side by side, united in remembrance. The poignant speeches, the wreath-laying, and the minute of silence were a fitting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who stormed these shores, flew in the air and sailed to Normandy from England on that fateful day.

B4 Beny Sur Mer Airfield Home of 126 Wing

After a fantastic lunch with the Mayor, local people, dignitaries, and most importantly the veterans we moved onto the wartime base of the Canadian airmen including Spitfire Elizabeth and her 411 Squadron pilots - the Roaring Boys. The old memorial was small and not easily seen from the nearby road. The Mayor & town have done the Boys proud. I was blindsided by Beny's Mayor who asked me to help him lay a wreath on behalf of the ever grateful town. What an honour.

The Wings Return

It was immediately obvious how eye catching the new memorial is as dozens of cars parked and joined in with the ceremony. After the crowd dispersed I stayed behind and placed photos of Spitfire Elizabeth's Roaring Boys next to the memorial. I also carrying the pilots' wings of F/L Bruce Whiteford (who named his Spitfires 'Elizabeth' after his wife) and Ross Linquist generous gifts from Bruce's son, Norm, and Ross's daughters Jan and Jill. To hold those in my hand at that place and time knowing what they did 80 years ago is beyond words. It was a humbling experience that left me awestruck by the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

A Lasting Impression

As the sun began to set over the horizon and the evening ceremony commenced, casting a golden hue over the landscape. The lone piper twinkling lights on each grave of the fallen complemented the solemnity of the occasion. The camaraderie of fellow visitors, and the sheer magnitude of history all combined to create a lasting memory.

In Conclusion

Visiting the D-Day commemorations was more than just a historical pilgrimage; it was a testament to the enduring spirit of humanity in the face of adversity. The echoes of the past may fade with time, but the lessons we learn from them will continue to guide us towards a future built on peace, unity, and remembrance.